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Aircraft accidents

Ghana Mourns After Military Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Defence Minister and Seven Others

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a national tragedy, a military helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, resulting in the deaths of Ghana's Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and seven others, including three crew members and several high-ranking government officials. The helicopter, carrying eight people, took off from Accra at 09:12 local time, headed to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme, but lost contact with radar shortly after takeoff. The wreckage was later found in a heavily forested area, with the helicopter burning beyond recognition.

Key Takeaways:

  • The crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, resulting in the deaths of Ghana's Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and seven others, including three crew members and several high-ranking government officials.
  • The helicopter, a GAF Z-9, took off from Accra at 09:12 local time, headed to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme, but lost contact with radar shortly after takeoff.
  • The wreckage of the helicopter was found in a heavily forested area, with the aircraft burning beyond recognition.
  • Dr. Omane Boamah, a medical doctor by training, had served as Defence Minister since President Mahama's inauguration in January 2025 and had previously held roles as Communications Minister and Deputy Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology.
  • Other victims included Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Ashanti Regional Minister; Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East; and three GAF crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
  • The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was attending the planned event in Obuasi, rushed to the crash site upon receiving the news.
  • The cause of the crash remains unknown, and authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances.

Statistics:

  • 10 people lost their lives in the military helicopter crash, including Ghana's Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and seven others.
  • The helicopter crashed in a heavily forested area in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
  • The incident occurred at 09:12 local time on a Wednesday morning.
  • The helicopter was a GAF Z-9 model.
  • The crash site was located near Obuasi, where the helicopter was headed for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme.

Sources:

  • The presidency confirmed the tragedy.
  • Chief of Staff to the President, Julius Debrah, announced the tragedy at a press conference at the Jubilee House.
  • Graphic footage aired by local media, including Joy News, showed the smouldering wreckage.
  • The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, was attending the planned event in Obuasi and rushed to the crash site upon receiving the news.
  • The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) reported that the helicopter lost radar contact shortly after departing Accra.

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